Footwear Advice

Now that the 2019 boot letter has been made available, I would like some feedback on what to buy for Beast. This year's options are:
Garmont T8 Multi Terrain
Belleville Khyber II (Tr350)
Belleville 310

Of these, what pros and cons can be offered by those who have worn them. Additionally, any advice on the PT Indoor Court Shoe options would be nice, considering we weren't given any specific brands/models.
Thank You in Advance!

You will need a pair of court shoes and running shoes (sneaker). I asked what a court shoe is on the WP Parents FB page and Debra Dalton gave this answer: A court shoe is a shoe that can be worn to play basketball, team handball, indoor court type activities. It is different from a running shoe. IT must be predominently white.

The running shoe can be any color - just break it in before you arrive.

The running shoe can be any color - just break it in before you arrive.

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If you're referring to running shoes to wear with the IPFU, consult AR 670-1, the regulation that governs uniforms and appearance. There are restrictions to the types/colors of shoes that can be worn with the IPFU.

^^ Hmmm. That's interesting. The parents are being told something different on the WP Parents Facebook page. We were told that the color of the running shoes isn't important. Just the court shoes are to be mostly white.

Court shoe was not on the list (boot letter) last year for class of 2018. There were no restrictions on the running shoe either. What is IPFU? My DS was issued black tennis shoes. Not sure when he's required to wear it other than with civilian clothes traveling at Christmas.

My guess is that the tennis shoe they issued last year is this year's court shoe. Black sneakers makes more sense to me than mostly white sneakersbut maybe the black sneakers are hotter (esap in the summer) than the white ones.

^^ Hmmm. That's interesting. The parents are being told something different on the WP Parents Facebook page. We were told that the color of the running shoes isn't important. Just the court shoes are to be mostly white.

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It is stated in the section 6 of the boot letter what court shoes are required. Specifically states "predominately white". Leather or synthetic leather uppers. etc.
Page 18 of large instruction talks about the running shoes (just don't look like Michael Johnson).

^^ Hmmm. That's interesting. The parents are being told something different on the WP Parents Facebook page. We were told that the color of the running shoes isn't important. Just the court shoes are to be mostly white.

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My apologies, I went back and read the updated reg. You got sound advice. You used to be required to wear more conservative colored shoes with the uniform (I.E none of the tie dye or flashy shoes you see in stores now). It appears that is now up to commanders to decide.

IPFU is the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform, the current gray t-shirt and black shorts combination. It has been replaced by the new APFU (Army Physical Fitness Uniform), but can be worn until 1 October 2017.

Now that the 2019 boot letter has been made available, I would like some feedback on what to buy for Beast. This year's options are:
Garmont T8 Multi Terrain
Belleville Khyber II (Tr350)
Belleville 310

Of these, what pros and cons can be offered by those who have worn them. Additionally, any advice on the PT Indoor Court Shoe options would be nice, considering we weren't given any specific brands/models.
Thank You in Advance!

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Boots are such a personal thing. My DS and looked at a lot of reviews. TR350 was the shoe we were going to buy. Unfortunately, contrary to the sizes on their website, size 15 not available. Had to go with 310 (which had decent reviews too).

Question: Can gel insoles be worn in all shoes (court, dress, boots, etc,)?

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I'd be careful of gel inserts. Probably fine on tennis shoes. Probably won't stand up to continuous rucking in the boots. May not be prohibited in the reg (though they could be), but it may not be a good idea. Same thing with wearing white PT socks with your boots: you may be able to get away with it, and in garrison there may not be an issue, but after a 12 mile ruck, you've probably worn through them and a couple layers of your skin.

I'd be careful of gel inserts. Probably fine on tennis shoes. Probably won't stand up to continuous rucking in the boots. May not be prohibited in the reg (though they could be), but it may not be a good idea. Same thing with wearing white PT socks with your boots: you may be able to get away with it, and in garrison there may not be an issue, but after a 12 mile ruck, you've probably worn through them and a couple layers of your skin.

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What about the athletic gel insoles? Like the kind that absorb shock on your heels and are softer. Or maybe if we wore 2 pairs of socks.

What about the athletic gel insoles? Like the kind that absorb shock on your heels and are softer. Or maybe if we wore 2 pairs of socks.

2019 WestPoint class appointee

Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.

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Sock wear tends to be more of a personal preference. Some people wear the super cool specialty socks and others wear thick wool, and others try plain white socks (as 845 said, usually doesn't work for longer periods or high activity). I personally just wear the standard issue socks, but that is my own preference.

You'll learn to try different things, maybe gel inserts, double socks, thick socks, no socks, and then stick with what you like.

Best advice I can pass along, both from my DS/2015 (2 mos from graduation!!) and my DD who just finished active duty -- whatever you get, get something that fits. REALLY FITS. Don't buy online unless you go try them on first. Sizes just vary that much and don't be that cadet with shoes that don't fit or it will simply be a painful time. For low quarters, best thing to do unless you already wear them a lot is to wear them to break in your feet (not your shoes). Get your feet used to low quarters or R Day is going to be extra special. Secondarily they both independently happened to prefer the Belleville Khyber, but whatever... DS says that during his beast, none of the cadet cadre were actually super aware of what the "letter" boots were and no one inspected for that but ill-fitting boots were self-selected punishment.

To the entire incoming class, congratulations and enjoy the ride!
RLTW

Out of the 3 boots, I highly recommend the Garmont T8. I am on my company's Sandhurst team, and those are one of the pairs I use (I like to rotate through). Right now, it is very snowy so I use something heavier. However, when yall go through beast it will be hot and muggy, which is exactly what the Garmonts are for.

With that being said, get a boot that fits you and that you like. While West Point likes to limit it to 3 choices, the big Army has many styles of authorized boots. The cadre are not going to necessarily know which boots were on the CBT list. So as long as your boots are Army authorized, you should be fine. (Disclaimer: don't use the Nike boots for beast. While they are authorized, you will probably draw unwanted attention). I went through Beast with rocky S2V's and never had a problem. Do your research, try on different styles and sizes, and find what is best for you. Additionally, don't only focus on the tools, work on the operator as well. High speed boots are nice, but strong legs and tough feet will do you many more favors.

Final piece of advice: don't bring 2 pairs of boots. You will be issued a second pair ( I know some kids who wound up liking the issued boots better than the ones they brought). The best fix for wet boots is a fresh pair of socks and some gold bond powder. So instead of buying a second pair of $150 boots, invest in numerous pairs of good socks. (I enjoy Darn Toughs).

An add on to the socks thing. I have lots of experience with wet shoes. Wool socks are best. Although wet wool may stink, wool will still keep you warm when wet. Gold bond is great for preventing athletes foot!